Though
the Crimson Tide didn't beat Arkansas or Florida, its ranking improved
slightly. But at No. 109 (up from 114 last week) Alabama is well outside the
postseason discussion for which the RPI is used.

The
Tide (9-14) is sandwiched between Vermont and Charlotte in the official RPI
released by the NCAA Monday.

That
challenging strength of schedule is behind the latest jump. Florida is the
highest ranked Alabama opponent at No. 5 as one of three top-10 teams the Tide
has faced. Losses also came to No. 6 Wichita State and No. 8 Duke.